5 Ways to Choose Your Thoughts for a Stronger Mindset
- Brainz Magazine
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Renee Vee, CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, published author, speaker, monthly article contributor in FORCE Magazine, co-founder of the Rich Thinking Conference, cast member of the Legacy Makers TV Series, and host of the Mrs.Understood podcast.
Thousands of thoughts move through our minds every day, quietly shaping our emotions, decisions, and confidence. While we can’t control which thoughts appear, we can choose which ones we engage with, and that choice matters more than most people realize. Learning to intentionally direct our thinking isn’t about forced positivity, it’s about taking ownership of our thoughts, so they support confidence, resilience, and meaningful action.
Why thought choice matters more than you think
Our inner dialogue doesn’t just reflect reality, it actively shapes it. Thoughts influence emotion, behavior, relationships, and even how we respond to stress and challenge. Research on mindset, particularly the well-studied concept of a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed, shows that how we think impacts not just our emotions but our motivated behavior in the face of difficulty.
And neuroscience confirms it, neural pathways adapt and strengthen based on what we focus on repeatedly, a principle called neuroplasticity.
Choosing your thoughts isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about steering your mind toward thinking that supports your goals, emotional strength, and self-belief. Warning, this is a practice. It won’t happen overnight. If you are ready to make your life better, the following practices will change everything.
1. Notice your thoughts so you can shift them
Before you can choose a thought, you must be aware of your thoughts. Awareness is the first step toward control. Most of us operate on autopilot, reacting to whatever pops into our minds without questioning it. We get caught in loops of worry, self-criticism, or assumptions about what “should” happen, often without even realizing it.
Research shows that being mindful of your thoughts helps you notice these patterns, such as overthinking, pessimistic thinking, or automatic self-doubt, all of which contribute to stress, emotional drain, and even physical health issues over time.
When you take the time to observe your inner dialogue, you create a mental pause, a space between stimulus and reaction. In that pause lies power, the ability to decide which thoughts to engage with, which to question, and which to let pass. Over time, this practice rewires your brain, strengthening pathways that support focus, positivity, and intentional action. The more consistently you notice your thoughts, the more you gain control over how they influence your feelings, decisions, and behaviors. See here.
Quick win
Start small, set aside 3–5 minutes a day to observe your thoughts without judgment. Simply notice what comes up, name it (“worry,” “self-doubt,” “planning”), and let it float by. This awareness is the foundation for choosing the thoughts that truly support your growth.
2. Reframe unhelpful thoughts into productive ones
Once you’re aware of your thoughts, the next step is learning to reframe the ones that work against you. Awareness alone is powerful, but without action, old patterns can quickly creep back in. Reframing is the process of taking a thought that triggers stress, self-doubt, or negativity and intentionally giving it a perspective that supports growth, self-belief, and forward momentum.
Cognitive behavioral research shows that reframing is one of the most effective tools for managing unhelpful thought patterns. When you consciously challenge distorted or automatic thoughts, you shift your emotional response, behavior, and even your neural wiring over time.
Mindset hack
Identify the unhelpful thought – Example: “I always fail at this.”
Challenge it with evidence – Ask: “Is this always true? What successes have I had?”
Replace it with a growth-oriented perspective – Example: “I’m learning with each attempt, and improvement comes with practice.”
Over time, reframing trains your mind to look for solutions instead of problems, to see setbacks as opportunities instead of failures, and to consistently choose thoughts that support your goals and self-belief.
3. Use mindfulness and reflection to interrupt negative loops
If thoughts run the show, mindfulness is the referee. By observing your internal dialogue without judgment, you create the space to notice automatic reactions before they spiral. Research shows mindfulness reduces stress, increases awareness of thought patterns, and gives you control over which thoughts you follow versus which you dismiss.
Your move
Before reacting emotionally, take a deep breath and ask, “Is this thought helping me right now?” If it’s not, practice gently letting it go. Even a brief pause can shift your mindset from reactive to intentional. See here.
4. Strengthen a growth mindset through intentional thought
One of the most researched areas in mindset science is Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. People with a growth mindset engage more after setbacks and are more resilient in learning situations.
Your thoughts shape how you approach challenges. By consistently choosing thoughts that affirm growth, you train your brain to see obstacles as opportunities and feedback as a tool for improvement. Neuroscience shows that mindset even affects stress responses, motivation, and neural connectivity, all influenced by the thoughts you choose.
Level up
Repeat growth-oriented thoughts daily:
“I can improve with practice.”
“Challenges help me grow.”
“Feedback is data, not defeat.”
With repetition, these thought patterns become your default, empowering you to respond to life with confidence and self-belief. See here.
5. Ground your thoughts with meaningful questions
Sometimes the best way to choose your thoughts is to ask yourself questions that redirect focus.
Questions influence the story you tell yourself. The questions you ask yourself shape the way you see the world, respond to challenges, and make decisions. Ask yourself:
“What truly matters right now?”
“What can I control?”
“What perspective will move me forward?”
Asking the right questions primes your brain to choose more constructive thoughts.
Action step
Each evening, write down one question that guides thought choice for the next day (e.g., “What’s one positive takeaway from today?”).
Choosing your thoughts isn’t magic, it’s practice
When we intentionally choose thoughts, we don’t control every idea that pops up, but we steer the ones we act on. That steering matters. It influences our resilience, our reactions to setbacks, and the beliefs that shape our behaviors over time. Thought choice isn’t about perfection, it’s about shifting toward thinking that serves you and builds a stronger mindset from the inside out.
Ready to choose better thoughts? Start with awareness, reframe with intention, and watch your mindset (and your life!) transform.
Got a message the world needs to hear? Let’s talk about featuring you on the Mrs.Understood Podcast with Renee Vee. Book an appointment here: Feature ME on Mrs.Understood
Read more from Renee Vee
Renee Vee, Speaker, Author, and Mindset & Communication Specialist
Renee Vee, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, speaker, author, and leader in mindset and communication. She empowers individuals and organizations to communicate with confidence and purpose. Known for her engaging presence and practical insights, Renee partners with families and business leaders to create environments where confidence, connection, and clarity are cultivated.
